04/04/2006 20615

FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION ADVISOR 2

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional educational program work in the development, improvement and expansion of foreign language education throughout the Commonwealth.

The employee in this job is responsible for providing leadership and guidance for the Department of Education's statewide program of advisory services in the development, expansion and improvement of foreign language educational programs in Commonwealth schools. Work involves responsibility for the development, review and clarification of the role and direction of foreign language education within the overall school curriculum; establishing the short range goals and priorities for foreign language education programs; and formulating the long range objectives for foreign language education in the curricula of elementary and secondary schools. The employee is responsible for planning, leading and participating in the development of foreign language education curricula, standards and program guidelines for statewide application. The employee coordinates and oversees the work of curriculum and research specialists in identifying, developing and evaluating new approaches and innovative programs in foreign language education. Included in the scope of this job is responsibility for functioning in a leadership capacity with other professional, paraprofessional, and clerical personnel in the statewide development and improvement of foreign language education. Work at this level is distinguished from the Foreign Language Education Advisor 1 job by the responsibility for serving as the senior departmental advisor in foreign language education and for providing departmental leadership in the initiation, planning and conduct of projects and studies in foreign language education. Work is performed with considerable independence and is subject to review by an administrative supervisor through conferences, reports and an evaluation of program results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops objectives and goals for foreign language education in the Commonwealth consistent with departmental priorities and curriculum objectives.

Develops and modifies the short and long range goals and objectives for foreign language education to meet the needs of schools.

Develops and interprets policies and guidelines in foreign language education for the basic education community and makes recommendations for changes in statewide policy and standards.

Develops and coordinates new approaches in foreign language education and in pilot testing these approaches to evaluate their effectiveness.

Plans and coordinates the development or modification of curricula, courses, and resource materials in foreign language education to introduce new trends, methods and practices to local schools.

Plans, coordinates and participates in providing advisory services to educational staff in the planning, development, improvement and evaluation of foreign language curriculum programs.

Encourages the integration of various curriculum disciplines into interdisciplinary educational programs within local school district course offerings.

Organizes and participates in conferences and workshops for the promotion of new developments and advances in foreign language education programs for local school personnel, teacher preparation staff and others.

Serves as a liaison with teacher preparation institutions, certification personnel and others in teacher education to provide advice and information on unmet local school needs.

Recommends changes in legislation and certification standards for foreign language education and teacher competencies to improve foreign language programs.

Disseminates information on current practices and new developments, methods and materials through articles in journals, publications or other media and through participation in professional associations.

Coordinates and oversees projects funded by other state agencies, professional associations or civic organizations to promote and support improvements in foreign language education.

Acts as the senior departmental specialist in providing leadership throughout the state in foreign language education.

Works with federal, state and private agencies, organizations and foundations to obtain grants and funds for innovative programs and research projects.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the educational philosophies as applied to the development of foreign language education.

Knowledge of the principles, methods and trends in teaching a foreign language, including knowledge of the interrelatedness of the five key components: communication, culture, community, comparison, and connection.

Knowledge of the importance of the culture in the teaching of foreign language.

Knowledge of the different teaching methods and techniques in foreign language education programs and of their strengths and weaknesses.

Knowledge of curriculum planning and development in foreign language education.

Knowledge of research and evaluation techniques as applied to foreign language education.

Knowledge of the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of students at the elementary and secondary level related to foreign language education.

Knowledge of current literature, trends, research and new developments in foreign language education.

Knowledge of motivational techniques and interpersonal relationships as applied to overseeing the work of professional specialists.

Ability to apply governmental rules, regulations and procedures related to funding innovative and pilot programs in foreign language education.

Ability to plan, analyze and develop goals and objectives to implement foreign language educational philosophies for elementary and secondary students.

Ability to apply motivational theories and leadership in leading staff to improve and expand foreign language education programs.

Ability to analyze new developments in foreign language education to identify those which merit additional study for possible implementation in local school districts.

Ability to lead and participate in the development of curricula and curriculum materials to implement new strategies and techniques in foreign language education programs for elementary and secondary schools.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to plan, develop and coordinate pilot programs and research activities in foreign language education.

Ability to select significant factors in diagnosing foreign language educational program problems and in devising appropriate solutions.

Ability to see commonalities among varied disciplines to develop and coordinate the development of interdisciplinary curriculum programs in foreign language education.

Ability to identify, organize and lead varied professional communities and organizations in support of departmental and professional objectives.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Foreign Language Education Advisor 1:

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Five years of professional experience in the field of foreign language education, including three years of experience in public schools and two years of experience in the development and implementation of foreign language education curricula or programs;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training which includes three years of experience in public schools and two years of experience in the development and implementation of foreign language education curricula or programs.